LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A Kelseyville man arrested in September on suspicion of causing a wildland fire near his home has been sentenced to jail time.

On Wednesday, Jody Buck Hickey, 39, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years of probation for the Oak fire, according to Cal Fire.

The Oak fire burned 53 acres and an outbuilding, and forced the evacuation of 300 residents along with the closure of Highway 29 for several hours near Kelseyville on Sept. 7, as Lake County News has reported. It was fully contained the following day.

Authorities arrested Hickey on the day of the fire on suspicion of causing a wildland fire while using equipment. They said he was welding and grinding in dry grass.

Cal Fire reported that Hickey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, California Health and Safety Code 13001.

That code section states: “Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, through careless or negligent action, throws or places any lighted cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which may cause a fire, in any place where it may directly or indirectly start a fire, or who uses or operates a welding torch, tar pot or any other device which may cause a fire, who does not clear the inflammable material surrounding the operation or take such other reasonable precautions necessary to insure against the starting and spreading of fire.”

Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones reminded county residents to use caution when using equipment.

“Whether working to create defensible space around your home, mowing the lawn or pulling your dirt bike over to the side of the road, if you live in a wildland area you need to use all equipment responsibly,” Jones said. “Lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, grinders, welders, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wildland fire. Do your part the right way to keep your community fire safe.”

For more information on how you can help prevent wildfire visit www.readyforwildfire.org.